Is it permissible to teach from departmental notes that were prepared from original sources without the permission of their authors or publishing houses, with some modifications made to them?
The issue of transmitting information and quoting ideas is permissible, especially if it is not verbatim, and it has been the practice of authors. However, the transmitted material should be attributed to its source, especially if the transmission is verbatim, as this is part of academic integrity. Sufyan al-Thawri said: "Attributing a benefit to its provider is part of truthfulness in knowledge and gratitude for it, and remaining silent about it is part of lying in knowledge and disbelief in it." Al-Nawawi said: "It is part of giving sincere advice to attribute a remarkable benefit to its originator, for whoever does so will be blessed in their knowledge and their state." Therefore, there is no harm in teaching students from the notes, while striving to mention the sources, and advising those in charge of the department to add sources and references.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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